Legion Scotland granted Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway

The Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland) will be granted the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday 26 March 2022.

Representatives of Legion Scotland branches will parade at the Crichton Estate in the presence of Lord Lieutenants, the Leader and Depute Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council and Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Legion Scotland.

Councillor Archie Dryburgh, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Legion Scotland makes a vital contribution to the lives of service personnel, veterans and their families. I’m immensely proud to be the Council’s Armed Forces Champion and delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council has granted Honorary Freeman status to Legion Scotland.”

Councillor Rob Davidson, Depute Leader and Civic Head of the Council, said: “As the Council’s Civic Leader, I’m very pleased that our Council agreed to Grant the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway to Legion Scotland. Along with our Freedom for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and our Armed Forces Covenant, it demonstrates our region’s support for our armed forces.

2021 was the 100^th anniversary of the Legion and, In September 2021, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed to grant Honorary Freeman status to Legion Scotland.

In June 1921, Field Marshall Haig founded the Royal British Legion Scotland, now known as Legion Scotland, bringing together several charities that had been established to assist those returning from the First World War and residing in Scotland.

Around the same time, the Royal British Legion was formed to assist those returning and living south of the border

Earl Haig established 2 poppy appeal funds. One was organised and delivered by the Royal British Legion in all areas other than Scotland. The second was delivered by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, now known as Poppy Scotland.

When service personnel return to civilian life after service with the armed forces, some need community and friendship. This can be as a result of their experiences in the services of just because they are no longer part of the ‘military family’.

Legion Scotland represents and supports veterans and their families and, every day, makes a difference to the lives of veterans through its comradeship and befriending programme, by developing stronger communities, and by supporting remembrance.

Its large family network is spread throughout Scotland, helping to support veterans and their families to get on with their lives, assisting those who need additional support.

Legion Scotland has more than 140 branches and 60 associated clubs, with more than 20,000 members. Each branch is run by a volunteer committee, dedicated to supporting the armed forces community.

Legion branches throughout Scotland have been invited to attend with their standards, with the RBLS HQ Queen’s Colour being the senior standard.

Timetable:

1245: Parade – main car park, Crichton Estate (in front of Easterbrook Hall) DG1 4TL

1400: Freedom Ceremony – Crichton Church

Background info:

Honorary Freeman status isn’t granted lightly or often in Dumfries and Galloway.

In 1972, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, was granted the Freedom of Langholm.

In 2006, Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden was granted the Freedom of Dumfries and Galloway in Kirkcudbright, in recognition of his promotion of the visual arts in the region.

In 2008, the Royal Regiment of Scotland was granted the Freedom in recognition of its service to the nation.

In 2012, David Stevenson was granted the Freedom of the region in Langholm, recognising his contribution to business and his community.